FIFA World Cup 2026: The Oldest Players to Participate in the Tournament
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In the 96-year history of the FIFA World Cup, only seven players aged 40 or older have competed so far. This year, the tournament is expected to feature at least five more players who will join this elite group.
The oldest player ever to participate in a World Cup is Egypt’s Essam El-Hadary. In the 2018 tournament, he set a new record by playing at the age of 45 years and 161 days.
In the group stage match against Saudi Arabia, goalkeeper El-Hadary broke his own record by more than two years. Egypt lost that match 2-1.
All the oldest players holding top positions have been aged over 39.5 years.
Essam El-Hadary, Faryd Mondragón, Roger Milla, and Pat Jennings each have competed in the World Cup at least once after turning 41.
Who Are They This Time?
In this World Cup, Scotland’s goalkeeper Craig Gordon is the oldest player among the participating squads. He is 43 years old. Scotland is returning to the World Cup after 28 years.
If Gordon gets playing time, he will become the second oldest player in World Cup history.
Portugal’s 41-year-old captain Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing to play his sixth World Cup. Alongside Argentina’s Lionel Messi, he is attempting to set a new record by participating in six tournaments. Age-wise, Ronaldo will be among the prestigious older players in the competition.
Japan’s 39-year-old defender Yuto Nagatomo will also be among the senior players in this World Cup.
Bosnia and Herzegovina striker Edin Džeko, Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, and Croatia midfielder Luka Modrić have all surpassed 40 years of age and are set to participate in this tournament.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, who is playing in the World Cup for the first time, will turn 40 before the competition begins. If he gets playing time, he will also join the list of older players in the tournament.
Top 10 Oldest Players Ever to Play in the World Cup
Image source, Getty Images
1. Essam El-Hadary – Egypt vs Saudi Arabia (June 25, 2018) – 45 years 161 days
2. Faryd Mondragón – Colombia vs Japan (June 24, 2014) – 43 years 3 days
3. Roger Milla – Cameroon vs Russia (June 28, 1994) – 42 years 39 days
4. Pat Jennings – Northern Ireland vs Brazil (June 12, 1986) – 41 years 0 days
5. Peter Shilton – England vs Italy (July 7, 1990) – 40 years 292 days
6. Dino Zoff – Italy vs Germany (July 11, 1982) – 40 years 133 days
7. Ali Boumnijel – Tunisia vs Ukraine (June 23, 2006) – 40 years 71 days
8. Jim Leighton – Scotland vs Morocco (June 23, 1998) – 39 years 334 days
9. David James – England vs Germany (June 27, 2010) – 39 years 330 days
10. Atiba Hutchinson – Canada vs Morocco (December 1, 2022) – 39 years 296 days
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